Adding network connections can actually hinder adoption of a product or technology in some instances, according to research by MIT visiting assistant professor P.J. Lamberson.

"In some cases, even though on average people would be better off using the technology or product, adding more connections can decrease how much it spreads," said Lamberson, who said he was surprised by the finding. "We would have thought that adding connections would always help something good spread."

While Lamberson's mathematical model found that poor technology or products suffered when spread over connections, and technology that passed an initial threshold benefited from more connections, it also found that problems occurred when expectations are high.

In such a situation where a high bar is set (look out, iPad), Lamberson found that even though the technology might be beneficial, adding connections can decrease adoption if experiences are no sufficiently positive.

The research, to be published in the B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics in a paper, “Social Learning in Social Networks,” (PDF of paper) also found that technology can become “stuck” and that an external “stimulus” can be required to reach a tipping point.

The professor gave the example of a temporary government rebate for home insulation or a manufacturer offering a discount or free sample on a product as such a stimulus.